5 Ideas for Using Mushrooms in Your Holiday Dinner Menu

5 Ideas for Using Mushrooms in Your Holiday Dinner Menu

Mushrooms are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in many holiday recipes. They have an earthy flavor that pairs well with turkey, pork, or just about any dish you want to add them to. There are so many different types of mushrooms out there that it is almost impossible not to find one that will work for your dinner menu.

1) Stuffing, Stuffing, and More Stuffing

Stuffing has always been a holiday favorite because it can be drastically different every time you make it depending on what ingredients you choose to use. You can stuff the cavity of the turkey or bake it in a dish alongside the turkey. There are so many different choices for ingredients and so many ways to prepare it that your guests will never get tired of enjoying it. This is also a perfect recipe for using mushrooms because they pair well with just about everything else you would typically put in your stuffing recipe.

2) Mushroom Gravy

Mushroom gravy is so simple to make that you will wonder why you have never done it before. All you need is some butter, flour, broth or stock, dried or fresh mushrooms of your choice, and salt and pepper to taste. Make a roux by melting the butter in a small pan while slowly stirring flour with a whisk until it creates a paste. Whisk the broth into the pan and allow it to bubble as you stir until it becomes a thick gravy that can coat the back of a spoon. Add salt and pepper to taste, some dried or fresh mushrooms, and serve with your turkey or mashed potatoes.

3) Mushroom Bruschetta

Bruschetta is always a good appetizer for a dinner party because you can prepare it in advance and pop it in the oven when your guests arrive. Slice a fresh baguette, brush with olive oil, and toast in a 400-degree oven until golden brown. While the bread is toasting, mince some garlic and finely chop some mushrooms of your choice. Saute the mushrooms in a pan with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. When the bread comes out of the oven, spread the mushroom mixture onto each slice and top with cheese if you choose to use it.

5) Quinoa with Mushrooms and Aged Cheddar

This recipe is a great vegetarian option for your holiday dinner menu because it is hearty and filling despite not using any meat. In this dish, mushrooms add a rich flavor that pairs well with the aged cheddar cheese. This would be a perfect side dish to go with turkey or ham or even serve as a vegetarian entree. Sauté some mushrooms and garlic in olive oil and remove from heat. Add the quinoa to the pot and stir until thoroughly combined with the oil and garlic. Add vegetable stock and simmer on medium-low heat for about twenty minutes, stirring occasionally. When done cooking add salt, pepper, and chopped parsley and stir to combine. If you choose, you can top it with shredded cheddar cheese.

5) Mushroom Spinach Salad

This salad is perfect for those who prefer lighter dishes because it only requires a few ingredients and a little bit of prep time. It is a great way to use up some of the spinach you probably have on hand from grocery shopping. Cook your spinach just as you would for regular wilted spinach, but add some sliced mushrooms while it cooks down. In a separate bowl, combine balsamic vinegar with honey and whisk until creamy and smooth. Drizzle the dressing over the spinach and mushrooms and top with chopped walnuts.

If you are looking for a few more recipe ideas to add some flavor to your holiday dinner menu, check out our past blog posts! For example, we have a number of different types of pasta recipes that would work well with these mushroom recipes! You can also browse through our complete recipe list if you are looking for something in particular.

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